enemy birds

[ltstrouse12]

how do u stop sparrows and other cridders out of the coup they eat the food???

 

[attimus]

My cats will use my coops to trap small birds. What kind of feeders are you using? You can cap pvc feeders for part of the day if your chickens freerange.
If it's just a dish, figure out how much they'll eat before wondering off.

 

[azygous]

I had that problem. Small birds were squeezing through gaps around the tops of my run where the covered part fastened to the sides. They were having a hay day flying around and stealing the food. I plugged up the holes where they were entering, and that solved the problem.

 

[ltstrouse12]

that sound like the only solution . tks for ur replies

 

[birdfreak1831]

How interesting.
I feel totally different about this situation.
I see myself and the two chickens I had as part of a community of creatures.
Yes, the chickens had a large, partially covered outdoor enclosure and half of it is shaded by dense cedars. There are lots of small birds sharing in their seeds and treats, or, actually the other way around : the chickens happily shared food and water. There are also several chipmunks who gather seeds to fill their winter larders.
We see no problem with this at all. On the contrary, the chickens seemed to enjoy the company of other critters.
All the local birds share their beauty, their music and their eating what eats the veggies in our small garden, so why should we [the chickens and I] not share our food and water?

I know, its a strange view and too different for most humans folks to grasp or accept.
But you can see why I am a birdfreak....

My sweet little rooster has crossed over and I miss him immensely.
I will soon pick up a tiny disabled hen from neighbors [she doesn`t lay any eggs which is fine with me] and a new bantam rooster who is healthy. I haven`t cared for a healthy bird in years, it will be a new experience....

 

[ltstrouse12]

I let em out when I get home from work and they like the rabbits. The sparrows make em mad and they chase them wish I could have a rooster around here